Capital History Ottawa
@caphistottawa.bsky.social
Remembering a By-gone era. Hobby account; no politics, no agenda. #Ottawa #colourized
Feed by Ashley Newall; apt613 alumni; #OttHistory #CdnHistory
Feed by Ashley Newall; apt613 alumni; #OttHistory #CdnHistory
At the foot of the locks, on or near location of 19th century wharf known alternately as Steamboat Landing, Fitzgibbon's Wharf, Canal Wharf, & ultimately Stirling's Wharf (then-home to George Stirling's (OG) Dominion Brewery).
Have you ever seen a wharf’s skeleton? 🦴
In its final form, the East Wharf will be a multi-level wooden platform, but for now, its steel “bones” are still visible.
Stay tuned for updates on this project!
In its final form, the East Wharf will be a multi-level wooden platform, but for now, its steel “bones” are still visible.
Stay tuned for updates on this project!
November 2, 2025 at 9:26 PM
At the foot of the locks, on or near location of 19th century wharf known alternately as Steamboat Landing, Fitzgibbon's Wharf, Canal Wharf, & ultimately Stirling's Wharf (then-home to George Stirling's (OG) Dominion Brewery).
New article on apt613 referencing my old/2022 article on apt613 about Henry Brading's Union Brewery (in the 19th century). Article re: Paul Weber's upcoming (sold out) launch party for his new album, "Ghost Beer Train"! apt613.ca/paul-webers-...
Paul Weber’s new album reveals some of Ottawa’s long lost history
Local musician Paul Weber and his new album Ghost Beer Train showcase a hidden history, with Ottawa-Gatineau at its core.
apt613.ca
October 27, 2025 at 3:51 PM
New article on apt613 referencing my old/2022 article on apt613 about Henry Brading's Union Brewery (in the 19th century). Article re: Paul Weber's upcoming (sold out) launch party for his new album, "Ghost Beer Train"! apt613.ca/paul-webers-...
Just happened across this Scott's Restaurant pic whilst searching for something else. Formerly on Rideau a couple doors east of Union Station, & prev. a Bowles Lunch. The other #Ottawa Bowles (on Sparks St.) ultimately became a Scott's Chicken Villa (KFC). Full story: apt613.ca/capital-hist...
October 18, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Just happened across this Scott's Restaurant pic whilst searching for something else. Formerly on Rideau a couple doors east of Union Station, & prev. a Bowles Lunch. The other #Ottawa Bowles (on Sparks St.) ultimately became a Scott's Chicken Villa (KFC). Full story: apt613.ca/capital-hist...
NE corner of Rideau @ Sussex, 1957. Tamblyn Drugs, F.W. Woolworth Co., & Freiman's. (New, lighter v. than originally posted.)
October 18, 2025 at 12:59 PM
NE corner of Rideau @ Sussex, 1957. Tamblyn Drugs, F.W. Woolworth Co., & Freiman's. (New, lighter v. than originally posted.)
Note the horse-drawn tram in the pic. Chances are photog Topley asked the conductor to park it for the shot, + hid the horses behind the tree stump (since they would've inherently moved, & consequently blurred).
Horse-drawn tram service in Ottawa began in 1866.
Horse-drawn tram service in Ottawa began in 1866.
2) H. F. Brading & Co.'s "Union Brewery", and Lebreton Flats / lumber piling grounds, viewing north-westerly from Bronson's Hill aka Christ Church Hill, ca. 1875. [Photo by William Topley]
October 15, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Note the horse-drawn tram in the pic. Chances are photog Topley asked the conductor to park it for the shot, + hid the horses behind the tree stump (since they would've inherently moved, & consequently blurred).
Horse-drawn tram service in Ottawa began in 1866.
Horse-drawn tram service in Ottawa began in 1866.
At the time, the plant was producing 12 million gallons of beer per year. The new wort tanks would increase that to 18 million gallons.
2 new pics added to my recent Brading's Brewery story...
1) A giant crane lifts one of two 7000 gallon "wort tanks" to the top of O'Keefe's Ottawa brewery (prev. Brading's-Capital, present-day SW corner of Albert & Preston) as part of a three-year, $1 million expansion program. [Dec. 12, 1962]
1) A giant crane lifts one of two 7000 gallon "wort tanks" to the top of O'Keefe's Ottawa brewery (prev. Brading's-Capital, present-day SW corner of Albert & Preston) as part of a three-year, $1 million expansion program. [Dec. 12, 1962]
October 14, 2025 at 9:52 PM
At the time, the plant was producing 12 million gallons of beer per year. The new wort tanks would increase that to 18 million gallons.
2 new pics added to my recent Brading's Brewery story...
1) A giant crane lifts one of two 7000 gallon "wort tanks" to the top of O'Keefe's Ottawa brewery (prev. Brading's-Capital, present-day SW corner of Albert & Preston) as part of a three-year, $1 million expansion program. [Dec. 12, 1962]
1) A giant crane lifts one of two 7000 gallon "wort tanks" to the top of O'Keefe's Ottawa brewery (prev. Brading's-Capital, present-day SW corner of Albert & Preston) as part of a three-year, $1 million expansion program. [Dec. 12, 1962]
October 14, 2025 at 5:05 PM
2 new pics added to my recent Brading's Brewery story...
1) A giant crane lifts one of two 7000 gallon "wort tanks" to the top of O'Keefe's Ottawa brewery (prev. Brading's-Capital, present-day SW corner of Albert & Preston) as part of a three-year, $1 million expansion program. [Dec. 12, 1962]
1) A giant crane lifts one of two 7000 gallon "wort tanks" to the top of O'Keefe's Ottawa brewery (prev. Brading's-Capital, present-day SW corner of Albert & Preston) as part of a three-year, $1 million expansion program. [Dec. 12, 1962]
Interesting 1960 pic of Alexandra / Interprovincial Bridge. What's interesting is structure in area of former Stirling's Wharf / Canal Wharf / Fitzgibbon's Landing / Steamboat Landing, where George Stirling had his Dominion Brewery, & where John Rochester Sr. may have (briefly) had his 1829 brewery.
October 12, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Interesting 1960 pic of Alexandra / Interprovincial Bridge. What's interesting is structure in area of former Stirling's Wharf / Canal Wharf / Fitzgibbon's Landing / Steamboat Landing, where George Stirling had his Dominion Brewery, & where John Rochester Sr. may have (briefly) had his 1829 brewery.
New on my blog: Collection of vintage O'Keefe's beer ads, covering O'Keefe's #Ottawa era (i.e. when they had breweries here), from the 1940s to 1960s www.ashleynewall.ca/2025/10/okee...
O'Keefe's Beer Ads, 1940s-1960s (Ottawa Era)
www.ashleynewall.ca
October 8, 2025 at 1:50 PM
New on my blog: Collection of vintage O'Keefe's beer ads, covering O'Keefe's #Ottawa era (i.e. when they had breweries here), from the 1940s to 1960s www.ashleynewall.ca/2025/10/okee...
Reposted by Capital History Ottawa
Bravo! & "...other large projects in the works — rebuilding of massive Lady Grey escarpment retaining wall below Sussex, which could become a new access point to the river..." May explain why my blog post on such things getting hits lately (subsequently updated): www.ashleynewall.ca/2022/09/down...
Downtown Ottawa's Former "Queen's Wharf"
www.ashleynewall.ca
October 7, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Bravo! & "...other large projects in the works — rebuilding of massive Lady Grey escarpment retaining wall below Sussex, which could become a new access point to the river..." May explain why my blog post on such things getting hits lately (subsequently updated): www.ashleynewall.ca/2022/09/down...
Reposted by Capital History Ottawa
From swimming docks to new viewpoints, we are working to build an inspiring capital one project at a time.
Read the full article here: ottawacitizen.com/news/ncc-rep...
Read the full article here: ottawacitizen.com/news/ncc-rep...
The NCC wants a new reputation, and a different Ottawa
Long seen as secretive and sluggish, the National Capital Commission is trying to change the narrative one swimming dock at a time
ottawacitizen.com
October 6, 2025 at 7:31 PM
From swimming docks to new viewpoints, we are working to build an inspiring capital one project at a time.
Read the full article here: ottawacitizen.com/news/ncc-rep...
Read the full article here: ottawacitizen.com/news/ncc-rep...
New on my blog...
Brading's Brewery, Part 3: 20th Century & Beer train Tunnel
Choo choo! www.ashleynewall.ca/2025/09/brad...
Brading's Brewery, Part 3: 20th Century & Beer train Tunnel
Choo choo! www.ashleynewall.ca/2025/09/brad...
Brading's Brewery (Ottawa), Part 3: 20th Century & Beer Train Tunnel
www.ashleynewall.ca
October 6, 2025 at 12:39 PM
New on my blog...
Brading's Brewery, Part 3: 20th Century & Beer train Tunnel
Choo choo! www.ashleynewall.ca/2025/09/brad...
Brading's Brewery, Part 3: 20th Century & Beer train Tunnel
Choo choo! www.ashleynewall.ca/2025/09/brad...
2 new blog posts coming soon from me re: O'Keefe beer's Ottawa years (i.e. 1940s-60s)
On this day in 1913, Eugene O'Keefe died in Toronto.
Born in Ireland in 1827, he bought the Victoria Brewery in Toronto in 1861. Three decades later he incorporated it as the O'Keefe Brewery Company of Toronto Limited. Using his fortune, he built five churches in Toronto.
Born in Ireland in 1827, he bought the Victoria Brewery in Toronto in 1861. Three decades later he incorporated it as the O'Keefe Brewery Company of Toronto Limited. Using his fortune, he built five churches in Toronto.
October 1, 2025 at 4:11 PM
2 new blog posts coming soon from me re: O'Keefe beer's Ottawa years (i.e. 1940s-60s)
Newly discovered image just added to my Paul J. Barber (newsie & WWI vet) story from earlier this year: Ketchum's Sporting Goods store, NW corner of Bank @ Sparks, ca. 1906 - Paul Barber's news stand circled.
Full story (photo essay style): www.ashleynewall.ca/2025/02/capi...
Full story (photo essay style): www.ashleynewall.ca/2025/02/capi...
September 20, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Newly discovered image just added to my Paul J. Barber (newsie & WWI vet) story from earlier this year: Ketchum's Sporting Goods store, NW corner of Bank @ Sparks, ca. 1906 - Paul Barber's news stand circled.
Full story (photo essay style): www.ashleynewall.ca/2025/02/capi...
Full story (photo essay style): www.ashleynewall.ca/2025/02/capi...
Today marks the 176th anniversary of the Stoney Monday Riot, in which the Reformers (i.e. the good guys) took refuge in Grant's Hotel / the future Chateau Lafayette in Ottawa's Byward Market.
Full story (newly updated) on Grant's Hotel & its key role in the riot: www.ashleynewall.ca/2024/04/chat...
Full story (newly updated) on Grant's Hotel & its key role in the riot: www.ashleynewall.ca/2024/04/chat...
Chateau Lafayette Pre-History, Part 1: 1849-1863
Top-40 Covers Artist | Singer-Songwriter | Multi-Instrumentalist | Graphic Artist | Canadian History Journalist
www.ashleynewall.ca
September 17, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Today marks the 176th anniversary of the Stoney Monday Riot, in which the Reformers (i.e. the good guys) took refuge in Grant's Hotel / the future Chateau Lafayette in Ottawa's Byward Market.
Full story (newly updated) on Grant's Hotel & its key role in the riot: www.ashleynewall.ca/2024/04/chat...
Full story (newly updated) on Grant's Hotel & its key role in the riot: www.ashleynewall.ca/2024/04/chat...
Reposted by Capital History Ottawa
Kazabazua used to be famous for having the longest bar in the Gatineaus back in the 70's
September 17, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Kazabazua used to be famous for having the longest bar in the Gatineaus back in the 70's
From 1887-1929, future Chateau Lafayette on York St. was called Dominion House. At same time, there was a Dominion Hall hotel on Sparks @ Bank St. Post-1929, there was an alternate Dominion Hotel on York St. Meanwhile in 1890s, there was this Dominion House Hotel in Kazubazua, PQ, north of Wakefield
September 17, 2025 at 1:50 PM
From 1887-1929, future Chateau Lafayette on York St. was called Dominion House. At same time, there was a Dominion Hall hotel on Sparks @ Bank St. Post-1929, there was an alternate Dominion Hotel on York St. Meanwhile in 1890s, there was this Dominion House Hotel in Kazubazua, PQ, north of Wakefield
My Chateau Lafayette Pre-History Part 1 (covering Stoney Monday & Grant's Hotel) has been updated w/ added detail: www.ashleynewall.ca/2024/04/chat...
Chateau Lafayette Pre-History, Part 1: 1849-1863
www.ashleynewall.ca
September 13, 2025 at 12:09 PM
My Chateau Lafayette Pre-History Part 1 (covering Stoney Monday & Grant's Hotel) has been updated w/ added detail: www.ashleynewall.ca/2024/04/chat...
Dichotomy of an inadequately labelled historical portrait...
Photo labelled "Mr. Rochester, Ottawa, (copied) Oct. 1868, by William Topley".
I firmly believe this is John Rochester Sr., original / 1829 founder of Ottawa's Victoria Brewery... [1/3]
Photo labelled "Mr. Rochester, Ottawa, (copied) Oct. 1868, by William Topley".
I firmly believe this is John Rochester Sr., original / 1829 founder of Ottawa's Victoria Brewery... [1/3]
August 25, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Dichotomy of an inadequately labelled historical portrait...
Photo labelled "Mr. Rochester, Ottawa, (copied) Oct. 1868, by William Topley".
I firmly believe this is John Rochester Sr., original / 1829 founder of Ottawa's Victoria Brewery... [1/3]
Photo labelled "Mr. Rochester, Ottawa, (copied) Oct. 1868, by William Topley".
I firmly believe this is John Rochester Sr., original / 1829 founder of Ottawa's Victoria Brewery... [1/3]
New on my blog: the previously untold tale of Ottawa's 19th century Victoria Brewery. www.ashleynewall.ca/2025/08/roch...
Rochester's Victoria Brewery, 1829-1900 (Part 1: 1829-65)
www.ashleynewall.ca
August 18, 2025 at 12:04 PM
New on my blog: the previously untold tale of Ottawa's 19th century Victoria Brewery. www.ashleynewall.ca/2025/08/roch...
Recent longform piece (by Dayton Reimer) on Sens legend Frank McGee: thehockeywriters.com/senators-mcg...
Frank McGee, the Senators' First Franchise Player - The Hockey Writers Hockey History Latest News, Analysis & More
Frank McGee only played for three seasons, but his impact on hockey turned the Ottawa Senators into one of the greatest teams of all time.
thehockeywriters.com
August 8, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Recent longform piece (by Dayton Reimer) on Sens legend Frank McGee: thehockeywriters.com/senators-mcg...
Reposted by Capital History Ottawa
Researching for some new Ottawa history stories & stumbled across this 1860s ad for a local grocery-liquor store.
August 5, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Researching for some new Ottawa history stories & stumbled across this 1860s ad for a local grocery-liquor store.
Researching for some new Ottawa history stories & stumbled across this 1860s ad for a local grocery-liquor store.
August 5, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Researching for some new Ottawa history stories & stumbled across this 1860s ad for a local grocery-liquor store.
With a new discovery of an old newspaper article, my Pure Spring (ginger ale) story now has an update: My thesis that Ottawa's Pure Spring got their water (& their name) from the Brading's Brewery wells is confirmed. www.ashleynewall.ca/2023/05/wher...
Where Did Pure Spring Get Its Water? Brading's '1000-Foot' Well
www.ashleynewall.ca
July 28, 2025 at 1:39 PM
With a new discovery of an old newspaper article, my Pure Spring (ginger ale) story now has an update: My thesis that Ottawa's Pure Spring got their water (& their name) from the Brading's Brewery wells is confirmed. www.ashleynewall.ca/2023/05/wher...
Since it's evidently impossible to find a decent pic of Brading's former Ottawa brewery on the SW corner of Preston & Albert, here's a decent pic of their former brewery in Hamilton. :) [Via @thespec1846.bsky.social – June 21, 1954]
July 25, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Since it's evidently impossible to find a decent pic of Brading's former Ottawa brewery on the SW corner of Preston & Albert, here's a decent pic of their former brewery in Hamilton. :) [Via @thespec1846.bsky.social – June 21, 1954]